Three National Guardsmen helping fight the wildfires have lost their homes
Winds could intensify fires as mandatory evacuations ordered in Ojai Valley

Carpinteria, California (CNN)The four wildfires wreaking devastation across Southern California are wearing on the firefighters and military personnel who have been laboring nonstop to douse the blazes, one of which is now the size of Denver.

On top of exhaustion from the long hours, they're also trying to stave off the effects of smoke inhalation and the airborne embers irritating their eyes.

"Honestly, the firefighters are taking a beating, but we have to acknowledge the residents because they're taking a beating, too, but they're cooperating with our orders," said Thomas Kruschke, spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department.

See photos of the fierce wildfires in Southern California
The state National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing out of Oxnard has also joined the fight, even though roughly 50 of the Guardsmen involved had to be evacuated themselves, said spokeswoman Maj. Kimberly Holman. Three lost their homes in the blazes, she said.